A group with different preferences
Offering both plain and wholemeal rusks means the group doesn’t have to settle on just one type. Separate chocolate sprinkles also let everyone choose their own flavour.
Who is this combination handy for?
Picnickers who want to choose wholemeal
If wholemeal matters to you, choose rusks labelled ‘wholemeal’. You can then choose the chocolate sprinkles separately, based on flavour and ingredients.
Groups where allergens matter
Check both the rusks and the exact variety of chocolate sprinkles. Jumbo’s product information lists milk, soya and lactose for De Ruijter Milk Chocolate Sprinkles; the De Ruijter and Venz Kwinkslag mix examined also lists cereals containing gluten and wheat.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide which types of rusks the group wants, then choose the chocolate sprinkles and work out how you’ll transport everything to the park. The breakdown below helps you compare the main priorities.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| Plain or wholemeal | Check that a wholemeal option is actually labelled ‘wholemeal’. For a mixed group, you may want to take plain rusks too. | If I specifically want wholemeal rusks, I want to be able to identify them on the pack without making everyone else choose the same base. Around 37% of consumers put choosing wholemeal first. |
| Transport | Pack the rusks and chocolate sprinkles separately, keeping them clean and dry. Take a cool bag for products that would normally be refrigerated, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises for picnics. | I want to keep the food tidy on the way and put it together only once we’re at the park. For around 27% of consumers, convenient transport comes first. |
| Flavour and allergens | Compare the flavours and read the ingredients and allergen information on each pack you choose; names such as ‘dark’ or ‘mix’ aren’t enough. | If people want different flavours or need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly which chocolate sprinkles I’m serving. This is the main consideration for around 18% of consumers. |
| Pack size | Think about how many rusks and how much chocolate topping you want to take for the group, and whether one or more flavours would suit. | For a small group, I don’t want to bring an impractically large pack, while for a bigger group I want to offer enough choice. Around 18% of consumers put finding the right pack size first. |
Common mistakes
-
Relying on the flavour name for allergen information
‘Milk’, ‘dark’ and ‘mix’ don’t tell you which allergens a specific chocolate sprinkle variety contains. Jumbo’s product information lists milk, soya and lactose for the De Ruijter milk variety examined; cereals containing gluten and wheat are also listed for the De Ruijter dark and vanilla mix and Venz Kwinkslag.
Before buying, check the allergen information on the exact pack you plan to take.
-
Assuming dark-coloured rusks are wholemeal
The colour or the term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether rusks are wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a product can only be called ‘wholemeal’ if it is made entirely from wholemeal flour.
If that’s why you’re choosing a second type of rusk, check that the pack is labelled ‘wholemeal’.
-
Transporting chilled accompaniments like dry goods
Rusks and chocolate sprinkles need to be transported in clean, dry conditions, but products that are normally kept in the fridge need different storage. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using a cool bag for chilled products at a picnic.
Keep dry products separate, and take a cool bag if you’re also packing dishes or toppings that are normally refrigerated.
Brands compared
De Ruijter
A brand to consider if you want to compare separate milk and mixed varieties of chocolate sprinkles.
- Jumbo lists, among other options, Milk Chocolate Sprinkles and a dark chocolate and vanilla mix.
- Allergen information differs between the varieties examined, so check the label on the pack you choose.
Venz
According to Jumbo’s product information, Venz Kwinkslag combines chocolate sprinkles with vanilla-flavoured sprinkles.
- One pack offers two flavours, making it handy if you want to take a mix.
- The Kwinkslag label lists milk, cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat.
Jumbo
The Jumbo range includes both plain and wholemeal rusks, as well as different types of chocolate sprinkles.
- You can compare rusk bases and chocolate sprinkle flavours separately.
- Check which varieties are available at your local store or for your delivery area.
Kiekeboe
An ALDI own-brand option to consider if you want to pair dark chocolate sprinkles with a separately chosen rusk base.
- ALDI Netherlands lists Kiekeboe dark chocolate sprinkles in a 600 g pack.
- Choose the rusks separately and check the label on the current pack of chocolate sprinkles.
Rusks and chocolate sprinkles for your picnic
These products include separate plain and wholemeal rusk options, along with chocolate sprinkles in different flavours. Choose your rusk base and topping separately; none of the packs contains the complete combination.
Image unavailable
Venz chocolate sprinkles and vanilla-flavoured sprinkles, 400 g
For a group that wants to bring both chocolate and vanilla flavour in one topping; choose the rusks separately.
If anyone has allergies, check the label, particularly for milk, soya and wheat.
Image unavailable
Bolletje wholemeal rusks, 13 pieces
A rusk base for anyone who wants a wholemeal option at the picnic; take the chocolate sprinkles separately.
If fibre content matters to your choice, check the nutritional information on the pack. If anyone has allergies, also check for wheat, egg and possible sesame.
Image unavailable
Venz milk chocolate sprinkles, 380 g
A separate topping for people who prefer a milky flavour, to pair with the rusk of their choice.
If anyone has an allergy or intolerance, check the pack for milk, lactose and soya.
Image unavailable
De Ruijter Intense dark chocolate sprinkles, 200 g
A separate topping for anyone who prefers a dark chocolate flavour; add plain or wholemeal rusks separately.
‘Dark’ doesn’t mean you can skip checking the label if you have a milk or soya allergy.
Image unavailable
g'woon plain rusks, 125 g
A plain rusk base for the group; take a wholemeal variety separately if you want to offer both options.
Chocolate sprinkles aren’t included in this pack. If anyone has allergies, check the labels on both the rusks and your chosen topping.
Frequently asked questions
Do rusks with chocolate sprinkles need to be prepared at home?
No, you can take the rusks and chocolate sprinkles separately and put them together at the park. Transport them in clean, well-sealed packaging and take clean utensils, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises for picnics.
Do I need a cool bag for rusks and chocolate sprinkles?
A cool bag usually isn’t needed for dry rusks and chocolate sprinkles; store them as directed on the pack. If you’re also taking products that are normally refrigerated, use a cool bag for those. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises throwing away such products if they have been kept out of the fridge for more than two hours.
If I have an allergy, can I rely on labels such as ‘milk’, ‘dark’ or ‘mix’?
No, check the allergen information for the exact variety of chocolate sprinkles. Jumbo’s product information lists milk, soya and lactose for De Ruijter Milk Chocolate Sprinkles, while the De Ruijter dark and vanilla mix and Venz Kwinkslag examined also list cereals containing gluten and wheat.
How can I identify wholemeal rusks?
Check that ‘wholemeal’ appears on the pack rather than relying on the colour or the term ‘multigrain’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a product can only be called wholemeal if it is made entirely from wholemeal flour.